Holiday Gratitude Guide: Meaningful Ways to Thank Coworkers and Clients at Work

Congratulations you’ve officially reached the final stretch of 2025! Enter the chaos of the holiday season… (but at least there’s PTO on the horizon, right?)

If you’re anything like most professionals this time of year, your calendar is full, your inbox is overflowing, and your to-do list somehow keeps growing despite your best efforts. Add in sick days, school events, and last-minute project deadlines, and it’s no wonder so many of us are running on caffeine and good intentions.

But as we close out another busy year, there’s one thing worth pausing for: gratitude.

The end of the year is more than just a time to wrap up projects and submit your PTO requests.  This time of year is a powerful opportunity to recognize the people who helped make those projects possible. We are so busy all year round, we can forget to look back on the people who helped us along the way. 

Bonus: gratitude (genuine gratitude) is a huge morale booster and it’s a whole-hearted way to strengthen relationships, boosts motivation, and helps people feel good about the work they are doing. 

So before you power through to the next deadline by the end of the year, take a few minutes to intentionally communicate gratitude to your colleagues, clients, and mentors. Here’s how to start.

Step 1: Make a gratitude list

Think through everyone who made an impact on your professional year. From your manager who listened to you complain every 1:1 to the coworker who covered for you while you were out sick, to the client who trusted you with their business, to the mentor who gave you valuable advice.

Include people across teams and levels, and don’t forget those outside your day-to-day circle who still supported your success in some way.

Step 2: Keep it simple and sincere

A thank-you doesn’t need to be long or elaborate to be meaningful. Whether it’s an email, a handwritten note, or a quick Slack message, the key is to make it personal.

Here are a few easy templates to get you started:

For a Coworker

Hey [Name],
You’ve been such a huge help lately, and I didn’t want the week to end without saying thank you. I really appreciate your time and teamwork!

For Your Manager

Hi [Name],
I know this time of year is especially busy, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your leadership and support. I really appreciate how you’ve guided the team through everything this season.

For an Employee or Team Member

Hi [Name],
I see how much effort you’ve been putting in lately, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your dedication, consistency, and positive energy. It makes a real difference.

For a Client or Partner

Hi [Name],
Working with you this year has been such a pleasure. Thank you for your partnership and collaboration. I’m really grateful for the trust and teamwork we’ve built together.

For Anyone, Anytime

Hi [Name],
Before we dive into another busy week, I wanted to take a quick moment to say thank you. Your work, effort, and presence make a difference — and I appreciate you.

Step 3: Go the extra mile

If you’re sending a physical note and need their address, here’s a professional way to ask:

“Thanks again for your time today, [Name]! Would you mind sharing your mailing address? I’d love to send a quick note of appreciation.”

And don’t forget — gratitude doesn’t always have to come in the form of words. Small gestures go a long way:

• Grab someone’s favorite coffee on your way in

• Send a $5 gift card for a pick-me-up

• Offer to cover a task for a teammate who’s out sick

• Leave a quick voice note or handwritten post-it
  

BONUS: Recognize more than work

Some of the best opportunities to show appreciation happen outside of project milestones. Celebrate the life moments that matter:

• Life Events: weddings, new homes, babies, graduations, retirements

• Accomplishments: promotions, presentations, certifications, new clients, or hitting a goal

• Personal Wins: hobbies, side projects, community work, or simply showing up with a great attitude

Don’t forget the power gratitude can have on your worklife. Amid the year-end hustle, a small moment of appreciation can have a big impact. When you take the time to communicate appreciation both sincerely and specifically you help build a workplace where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

So as you wrap up 2025, don’t just check off the last tasks on your list. Send the thank-you note. Write the quick email. Say the kind word. It makes all the difference.